Sarawak mission schools will get RM30 million in Unifor funding this year. Mission schools in Sarawak will continue receiving support from the state’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), with RM30 million allocated this year. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the funding is shifting beyond basic infrastructure such as desks and dining halls. It will also support software, soft skills, motivation classes, and help students improve in Science and Mathematics. The aim is to help more students, especially those from rural mission schools, meet entry requirements for Sarawak-owned universities and benefit from the state’s free tertiary education scheme. Unifor handed out RM34.87 million for 148 projects in its first disbursement this year. The remaining RM55.12 million is expected to be distributed by October. The allocation is a programme commitment; each school's work, timing and eligibility still depend on the official implementation details. Families should follow their school or the responsible department for the next confirmed announcement. [image: 1787134209476-mission-schools.jpg]

Sejingkat Bridge on track for an Oct 1 soft opening. The RM365.7 million Sejingkat Bridge is on track for a soft opening on Oct 1. The new crossing over the Sarawak River will provide a direct alternative for traffic from Serian and Kota Samarahan heading towards Petra Jaya and industrial areas on the northern side of the river. At present, that traffic has to pass through Kuching city centre, adding to congestion. Uggah described the bridge as a major game changer for Kuching. He said the contractor had not reported major manpower or funding concerns, while favourable weather had helped construction progress. [image: 1787134196672-sejingkat-bridge-resized.jpg] A target date or project announcement is not the same as an open road or operating facility. Until an official opening or traffic notice is issued, residents should keep using the current arrangements and watch for the next construction or approval milestone.

Haze returned to Sarawak on Aug 19, with five monitoring areas recording unhealthy air quality at 9am. Serian recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 156, followed by Kuching at 154, Sri Aman at 152, Samarahan at 113 and Mukah at 106. The figures were a snapshot from the Department of Environment's APIMS system, not a forecast for the whole day. in Kuching An API reading from 101 to 200 is classified as unhealthy. The number can move as wind, rain and nearby hotspots change, so an old screenshot should not be used as the current reading. Check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and anyone with asthma or heart or lung conditions should be more cautious when readings are elevated. Reducing strenuous outdoor activity, closing windows when smoke is strong and using a well-fitting high-filtration mask outdoors are more useful than relying on a loose cloth mask. Affected at 9am: Serian, Kuching, Sri Aman, Samarahan and Mukah Important: These readings were recorded on Aug 19 and may have changed since publication. These API figures are a time-specific snapshot from 2026-08-19, not a full-day forecast. Rain, wind and new hotspots can change the number quickly, so check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should reduce strenuous outdoor activity while the air remains unhealthy. [image: 1787112656808-sarawak-haze.jpg]

An 18-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash on Jalan Canna, Kuching. The crash happened at about 12.25pm on Monday. Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the motorcycle lost control after coming from the Jalan Stutong Baru traffic-light junction and hit a sedan. The rider then fell and was dragged by a lorry travelling in the right lane. He died at the scene. The sedan and lorry drivers were not injured. Police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. The cause and legal classification should be left to the police, medical team or rescue authorities. Drivers and bystanders should keep clear of the scene, avoid sharing distressing images and pass genuine information directly to investigators. [image: 1787112636655-kuching-crash.png]

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for 11 months after assaulting his younger sister in Santubong. The man pleaded guilty at the Kuching Court Complex to voluntarily causing hurt to a family member. The offence happened on June 28 after his 16-year-old sister did not respond when he asked her to buy a lighter. The court heard that he kicked her waist and punched her forehead. A medical assessment recorded soft-tissue injuries. He was arrested on Aug 13. The charge was filed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read with Section 326A, which applies when the victim is a family member. The court outcome described above should be kept separate from online speculation. Any further hearing, appeal or investigation update should come through the relevant authority rather than social-media claims. [image: 1787047725386-santubong-court-resized.jpg]

More than 40 stalls were badly affected after a storm hit Kuching’s N6 Metrocity 2 Youth Night Market. Strong winds tore through the N6 Metrocity 2 Youth Night Market in Kuching on Saturday night, forcing the market to close. More than 40 of about 300 trader lots were badly affected. Canopies were blown away or wrecked, while the main stage, management office and electricity supply cables were also damaged. Traders estimate losses of RM2,000 to RM5,000 for a canopy alone, not counting damaged equipment and goods. The Meteorological Department had issued a thunderstorm warning from 5pm to 9pm for Kuching and several other parts of Sarawak that evening. The danger does not end when the rain stops: fallen trees, loose roofing, flooded roads and damaged cables can remain hazardous. Residents should avoid affected routes and report damage to the council or emergency services rather than entering the area to take photos. [image: 1787015171980-kuching-night-market-storm.jpg] Source: The Star

A 67-year-old Kuching man has been fined RM6,000 after threatening to shoot a shop owner. Saidi Abang Samsudin pleaded guilty to criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the Penal Code at the Kuching Court Complex on Aug 17. He will serve 12 months in jail if he fails to pay the fine. The incident happened at an eatery on Jalan Wan Alwi on Dec 22, 2023, during the grand opening of a neighbouring shop. The man was upset by loud firecrackers and ash entering the eatery. Court facts said he called the female shop owner over, showed her an object believed to be a pistol and said, “Saya rasa nak tembak ja u” — “I feel like shooting you.” Police later seized a Springfield XDS 9mm pistol, a magazine and five rounds of ammunition. The court outcome described above should be kept separate from online speculation. Any further hearing, appeal or investigation update should come through the relevant authority rather than social-media claims. [image: 1786961235163-kuching-court-complex-resized.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Chimon Upon

Sejingkat Bridge Could Open To Traffic By Oct 1, Easing Kuching Congestion. The RM365.74 million bridge across the Sarawak River could open to traffic as early as Oct 1, after Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas inspected the final stitching works on Aug 17. The 1,281.2-metre dual-carriageway bridge will give motorists from Serian and Kota Samarahan a more direct route towards Demak Laut, Petra Jaya and nearby industrial areas, without passing through Kuching city centre. That is expected to ease congestion in the city. The contractor reported no major manpower or funding problems. The project’s scheduled completion date remains Oct 22, 2026. [image: 1786961176589-sejingkat-bridge-20260817.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / JKR Sarawak A target date or project announcement is not the same as an open road or operating facility. Until an official opening or traffic notice is issued, residents should keep using the current arrangements and watch for the next construction or approval milestone.

Sarawak's air quality has improved, with every monitoring station at moderate level except Bario, which remained good. The Natural Resources and Environment Board's Daily Haze Watch recorded Kuching's Air Pollutant Index (API) at 87 as of 8am Monday, seven points lower than Sunday afternoon. Serian dropped from 157 to 98, while Samarahan fell from 151 to 92. Lundu and Tebedu also moved down from unhealthy readings to 93 and 73. API readings from 51 to 100 are classified as moderate, while 0 to 50 is considered good. These API figures are a time-specific snapshot from 2026-08-17, not a full-day forecast. Rain, wind and new hotspots can change the number quickly, so check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should reduce strenuous outdoor activity while the air remains unhealthy. [image: 1786939511831-20260817-sarawak-air.jpg]

A Kuching man lost RM104,310 after a scammer pretended to be his friend on WhatsApp. The 49-year-old received a message on Aug 13 asking him to make an advance payment for goods. Thinking it was genuine, he made four transfers to three bank accounts between Aug 13 and Aug 15. His real friend later said the WhatsApp account had been hacked and had never asked him for the money. Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. A conviction carries one to 10 years in jail, whipping and a possible fine. Police advise the public to end suspicious calls, avoid sharing banking information, and verify account and phone numbers through the Royal Malaysia Police’s Semak Mule portal before making payments. A message that appears to come from a friend still needs a separate check. Call the saved number or another mutual contact before transferring anything, and use Semak Mule when a bank account is provided. Anyone who has already paid should contact the bank and 997 immediately rather than waiting for the recipient to reply.

A familiar voice is no longer proof of identity: AI cloning can make a scam call sound like a child, grandchild or friend. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin raised the risk during an Aug 16 scam-prevention talk in Miri. He said scammers can combine convincing voices, images, videos and fake documents, then add urgency or secrecy to stop victims from checking with family members. The pressure tactics are the real warning signs. “Do it now”, “don't tell anyone” and “stay on the line” are designed to prevent independent checking. Family members can help older relatives by agreeing on a safe word and practising what to do before a real call arrives. A familiar voice is no longer enough to prove who is calling. Families can agree on a private question or safe word now, then call back using a number already saved in the phone instead of continuing a pressured conversation. If money has already moved, contact the bank immediately and call 997; keep the messages, account details and receipts for investigators.

Kuching’s air quality improved to the moderate range by Sunday evening, but Serian and Samarahan were still unhealthy. At 5pm on Aug 16, Kuching’s Air Pollutant Index (API) reading fell to 91. Serian recorded 157 and Samarahan 147, both still in the unhealthy range. API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy, while 51 to 100 is moderate. Rain brought some relief after a week of dry weather. All 107 schools under the Serian District Education Office were scheduled to reopen on Aug 17 after temporarily closing when the API went above 200. These API figures are a time-specific snapshot from 2026-08-16, not a full-day forecast. Rain, wind and new hotspots can change the number quickly, so check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should reduce strenuous outdoor activity while the air remains unhealthy.

Kuching’s air quality improved after Saturday’s rain, but five areas in Sarawak were still at unhealthy levels this morning. At 8am on Sunday, the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s haze watch recorded these readings: Kuching’s reading dropped from 163 at 4pm on Saturday after an evening shower brought some relief following a week of dry weather. Other parts of Sarawak were in the moderate range, between 51 and 100. The air quality can change quickly with the weather and wind direction. Authorities also reminded the public that open burning is prohibited. Offenders may face a fine of RM25,000 to RM1 million, up to five years in jail, or both. These API figures are a time-specific snapshot from 2026-08-16, not a full-day forecast. Rain, wind and new hotspots can change the number quickly, so check APIMS again before school sports, outdoor work or a long trip. Children, older people and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should reduce strenuous outdoor activity while the air remains unhealthy. [image: 1786853210530-haze-kuching-20260816.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post / Chimon Upon

A severe thunderstorm swept through Kuching on Saturday evening, bringing rain that eased the haze but leaving damage across the city. MBKS said response teams were sent out after roofs were blown off, trees were uprooted, electricity cables were affected and flash floods were reported in several areas. At Taman Riverview in Pending, a fallen tree blocked the road. A local Kapitan and his wife began clearing it with a chainsaw before being warned about the safety risks. Bomba also attended incidents at Jalan Chong Chin Kong and Jalan Ming Ching near Jalan Foochow. As a safety measure, MBKS ordered stalls at the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion to stop operations after strong winds damaged about half of its canopy. Residents affected by the storm can notify MBKS, while the public is advised to avoid exposed roads during thunderstorms. The danger does not end when the rain stops: fallen trees, loose roofing, flooded roads and damaged cables can remain hazardous. Residents should avoid affected routes and report damage to the council or emergency services rather than entering the area to take photos.

Kuching’s air quality has moved into the unhealthy range. [image: 1786788230548-kuching-api-20260815.jpg] Photo: The Borneo Post Kuching and Samarahan both recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 163 at 4pm on Saturday, the highest in Sarawak. Nine locations across the state were in the unhealthy range, with Serian at 162. API readings from 101 to 200 are classified as unhealthy. MetMalaysia also warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in parts of Sarawak, which may bring temporary relief. Residents should check the latest APIMS readings and limit prolonged outdoor activity if the haze worsens. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Nine Sarawak locations recorded unhealthy air quality Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak Metro now has approval to establish its own auxiliary police unit to protect KUTS operations, facilities and assets. The Royal Malaysia Police approved the application, allowing Sarawak Metro to build a dedicated security capability as the Kuching Urban Transportation System moves closer to operation. Coverage is expected to include depots, stations, future operational facilities and other assets along the KUTS alignment. The unit will not appear fully formed overnight. Sarawak Metro said recruitment, training, compliance and competency development will be carried out in phases with PDRM. This is important because the announcement confirms approval to set up the unit; it does not mean all officers are already deployed or that it sets a new ART passenger-service date. Why a separate unit matters KUTS will combine public stations, vehicles, control systems and restricted technical areas. A dedicated team can focus on access control, crowd safety, asset protection and incident response while working alongside the regular police. For the public, the useful milestones to watch next are recruitment and training, station security arrangements and the official operating timetable. Those details should come from Sarawak Metro rather than viral posts or construction-site speculation. Location: Kuching Project: Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) ️ Status: Unit approved; capabilities to be developed in phases Sources: The Borneo Post report · Sarawak Metro official site

[image: 1786766703446-darul-hana-rescue.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post Update: Woman rescued after falling from Darul Hana Bridge This is a follow-up to the earlier report about the Darul Hana Bridge rescue: https://kuchinghub.com/topic/846 A woman was rescued by members of the public after falling from Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront on Friday evening (Aug 14). Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that she was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Unit, Yellow Zone, for further treatment. Initial investigations found that the incident was related to a personal issue, but the root cause is still being investigated. Police have urged the public not to spread speculation or unverified claims. Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Update: Police are still investigating the incident. Support: Befrienders Kuching: 082-242800 (6.30pm–9.30pm daily) Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/15/woman-rescued-by-heroic-members-of-the-public-after-falling-from-darul-hana-bridge/ What do you think?

Kuching Port Authority says Pending Terminal is still operating despite concerns over the new Sejingkat-Samarahan Bridge. KPA said the terminal has been repositioned to handle domestic trade cargo within Sarawak and remains operational. From January to June 2026, it recorded 179 ship calls and about 217,600 tonnes of throughput. It also continues to support live-pig exports to Singapore and Selangor, with annual export throughput of about 14,000 tonnes. Senari Terminal is being positioned as a multipurpose facility for containers, roll-on/roll-off vehicles, project cargo, wheat, rice, maize, soy and fertilisers. Its vehicle yard currently has capacity for 2,500 units, with another 1,000-unit capacity expected by the end of 2026. The statement followed concerns raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who said the bridge’s clearance could restrict some vessels from reaching Pending and push more cargo to Senari. KPA said both terminals would continue to serve complementary roles as Kuching’s cargo demand grows. Location: Pending Terminal and Senari Terminal, Kuching Details: 179 ship calls were recorded at Pending Terminal from January to June 2026. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

A girl was safely rescued after reportedly falling from Darul Hana Bridge at Kuching Waterfront on Aug 14. Videos circulating online showed a crowd gathering near the pedestrian bridge. The girl was later seen in the Sarawak River, where a boatman manoeuvred his vessel towards her and brought her to safety. Members of the public were also seen entering the river during the rescue. DayakDaily reported that the girl was understood to be safe. Police had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting, and the circumstances behind the fall had not been confirmed. [image: 1786755941261-darul-hana-rescue.png] Source: DayakDaily Location: Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching Waterfront Details: Rescue confirmed by the source; the cause of the incident remains unconfirmed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A 37-year-old man was remanded after police found 6.1 grammes of suspected methamphetamine in Kampung Bako Hulu, Kuching. [image: 1786680362489-kuching-bako-meth-20260814.jpeg] The man was arrested by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division at about noon on Aug 12. Police said the suspected drugs were packed in 16 plastic packets and were worth an estimated RM305. His preliminary urine test was negative and police said he had no previous criminal record. He was remanded for four days until Aug 17 while the case is investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and whipping of up to nine strokes. Location: Kampung Bako Hulu, Kuching Details: The case is still under investigation and the substance is suspected methamphetamine Source: Sarawak Tribune What do you think?